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Wednesday, September 20, 2023
—— IN THIS EDITION ——
Next Public Performance: Sunday, October 1 - Eisenhower Public Library's 50th Anniversary Festival 
Barefoot Hawaiian's Founder Featured in Chicago's Field Museum Exhibit


Next Public Performance

Sunday, October 1, 2023
Eisenhower Public Library's 50th Anniversary Festival

Harwood Heights, Illinois
12:00 Noon - 12:45 PM

The Library celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the Barefoot Hawaiian performing
This performance will be outdoors

The complete festival runs from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM with the
Barefoot Hawaiian kicking things off with a 45-minute performance at 12:00 Noon

The Eisenhower Public Library writes...

"Since we first opened our doors in 1973, we've been grateful to be a part of the communities of Norridge and Harwood Heights. To thank you for 50 years of support, we're throwing a '70s themed party and you're invited!

"On Sunday, October 1st the Library grounds will be transformed into a 1970s-era festival with activities for all ages. Between sets from the Elvis trubte [sic] artist Hugo Conlin and the Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers, boogie down to the sounds of the '70s with our DJ. Drop into our Kid's Zone to play some classic games and win prizes. Check out our Rec Room for retro video games, ping pong, and more. Wear your grooviest '70's attire for our costume parade and take a selfie in our photo booth. The library will be closed for service but don't forget to hustle inside for some funky crafts and chow down on a free donut from Allegretti's Bakery."

Eisenhower Public Library

4613 N. Oketo
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
708-867-7828

Eisenhower Public Library Web Site


Barefoot Hawaiian Founder and Owner
Featured in Chicago's Field Museum Exhibit

If you are planning a visit this Fall to Chicago's world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History, be sure to stop by the exhibit honoring and titled "Chicago's Legacy Hula".  This exhibit created by the Field Museum and the Aloha Center of Chicago, takes you back to the early days and the beginnings of the Hawaiian cultural explosion that was happening in Chicago as well as all across the mainland United States back in the 1950's and 1960's. 

Hula was all raged back then and multiple places were opening up all across the city and suburbs that featured Hawaiian cuisine and dance performances.  Among them was Barefoot Hawaiian's founder and still owner, Gwen Kennedy, performing on stage at the age of 3.

Barefoot Hawaiian dancers Cat, Marlene, and Jocelyn overlook the slide of Barefoot Hawaiian founder and owner
Gwen Kennedy performing on stage at the age of 3 in the 1950's at Chicago's famous Honolulu Harry's Club Waikiki


So don't miss this exhibit if you happen to visit the field museum this summer and give Gwen a shout that you did.  Gwen is most pleased to have been a part of the early history and beginnings of the Hula Legacy in Chicago.  She is even more pleased to have literally (since age 3) made it her life's work to keep that culture going and keep the spirit of Aloha alive in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. 

Her company, The Barefoot Hawaiian, is her legacy to that continued dedication.


For more information, call The Barefoot Hawaiian® at (847) 699-7336
Bringing Hawaii to the Mainland for 50 Years